The Eyes of the Galaxy | SJO Invasion of the UCM's Azure Hex

[Coren Starchaser]

Objective: Establish the FOB
Allies: SJO [member="Josh Dragonsflame"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Seth Brackson"] | [member="Ador Horn"] | [member="Romi Jade"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]
Enemies: Beksar Warriors [member="Kaine Australis"] Maybe that [member="Kyrel Ren"]

This was a warzone, but it was such a wonderful world. He was always keen on tropical worlds, or worlds with a beautiful ocean. This was a concern for some, water worlds, but this was a Jedi strike. Unlike the Alliance of the past, the Order of the Silver Jedi of the past, or the Empires of the galaxy. This was not a strike to cause wide spread destruction. This was surgical, a warning shot. Don’t touch our worlds. Or we will be here.

Diplomacy only got so far, but defanging a menace lasted longer. Starchaser’s shuttle landed, and some of the larger transports were touching down. Maerials were going to need to be deployed, but first they had to secure the landing zone. A lightsaber igniting in one hand, and blaster pistol firing from the other, they were greeted by Mandalorian warriors. Good, he didn’t want this to be easy.

And with that, it made the right ones targets. But this was a world, and there was the starport, he had no doubt there would be civilians in there. With word of a temporary repeater being set up, and using the Force, he threw a kinetic blast at the incoming, to stumble them, and throw them back. Holstering his blaster, the hum of his lightsaber, a one-or-two handed hilt with the Starchaser’s Light crystal, a blue-white light that seemed to ebb and flow like a star, still lit before him. The hum following over his comms.

“Silver Forces. This is General Starchaser. Landing on Azure, we’re being met with resistance. Press forward. Be wary, watch for civilians. Do not strike with large weapons. Precision will save lives. Disable the Mandalorians, and their efforts, send civilians to shelter. Focus the efforts on protection and removal of Beskar.” He could feel it. Others entering the fray. It was either the Sith, or the blaster bolts.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

“And keep your eyes peeled. Sound off.”

He gave the order for the teams to declare readiness. He was working with setting up the base, but should something arise, he’d be there to greet it.

 

[Azure Djitred]

Objective: Don't have flashbacks to Eshan, protect the civilians
Tags: [member="Nicair Claden"]
Allies: UCM
Enemies: SJO

Azure looked up in surprise when she heard her name, and frowned. The Jedi? Weren't they supposed to be peaceful? They weren't war mongers, not from what Azure had been told, so why? Why here? Why now? Those questions didn't matter, and she held onto the saddle tighter. She had to save the civilians. Get them to the ships, and somewhere safer. Had anyone called Clan Tal? She knew they had been burdened by Taanab but... They were the best at evacuation in the Clans... No, they couldn't be burdened right now.

"Miss? Is everything gonna be okay?"

Azure was brought back down to reality by the little girl in front of her, and looked down, smiling. "Of course it is. Everything will be okay, do you know why? Because I'm here!" A small squeeze of the girl's hand, and Azure turned back to the crowd, and urged Cuddles to roar for their attention.

"Everyone! The Jedi are invading, but fear not! The United Clans of Mandalore will protect you! Evacuation ships have begun preparations for everyone's departure, so please, leave you possessions behind, and get to the ships!" Azure could only hope this group would listen, but there were multiple shelters... Would she be able to save everyone? The child in her lap squeezed her hand, and let out a small whimper.

Azure squeezed back.


It would be a long day.

 

[WolfMortum]

​

​

Objective: Make for the Surface of Azure.​

Inventory: Jedi Battle-Armor, Wedding Ring, Veiere's Silver Lightsaber.​

Location: Aboard the Warthog Assault Carrier.​

Opposition: The United Clans of Mandalore.​

Dancing Partner: [member="Kay Arenais"] (Soon).​

Allies: The Order of the Silver Jedi.​

​

​

​

From the Bridge of the Warthog, reports were coming in from the surface where it seemed their initial intelligence regarding a civilian presence had been incorrect. 'Blast it all' Veiere cursed within, they'd specifically targeted this world in order to make a statement and call for justice without the possibility of endangering innocent lives. What was it they said about 'best-laid plans' again? Turning back to look to the bridge crew, Veiere called to one of the senior officers in search for the one in command; "Notify all forces on the surface, Civilian casualties are unacceptable. Prioritize their safe-keeping and evacuation where possible!" they'd come for the Mandalorian's, and while the citizenship of Azure rest beneath the United Clan's territories, they were not at fault for the actions of their present custodians.

"Silver Forces. This is General Starchaser. Landing on Azure, we’re being met with resistance..." [member="Coren Starchaser"]'s voice radio'd in over the nearby comm's station, causing Veiere to pause and listen intently. Having the head of the Jedi Alliance present to support the Silver Jedi brought Veiere some small relief, the man was well known for his experience and command not only among the Jedi but the former Galactic Alliance and the Outer-Rim Coalition too. Further reports from many of the ground forces continued to come in, some of the transports taking fire on their descent until the planet, whilst others arrived under fire from the Mandalorian's and soon even the Sith Empire's arrival and involvement.

The command of the Warthog wasn't his responsibility, and with the reports of the Sith having entered into the conflict, Veiere wasn't so comfortable remaining upon the bridge as a mere spectator any longer. "I'm headed for the surface, Comm's are live" He informed the commanding officer of the bridge before moving to leave the command post and descend via turbo-lift for the main hangar. With luck he'd be able to catch a ride aboard one of the remaining drop-ships and land amidst the fray where his presence might do some actual good.

[member="Asaraa Vaashe"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Amon Vizsla"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Kat Decoria"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Wilhelm von Reinhardt"] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Setter Ryburn"] | [member="Nicair Claden"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Celiana"] | [member="Laira Darkhold"] | [member="Joycelyn Zambrano"] [member="Azure Djitred"] | [member="Laandur Solus"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Laira Darkhold"] | [member="Cotan Sar'andor"] | [member="Bushi Nadora"] | [member="Ronan Vizsla"] | @Celiana | @Mariel Dawnrider | [member="Joycelyn Zambrano"]

 

[Lucera Maive]

Objective: Ensure the arrival of Veiere Arenais
Location: Aboard the Warthog Assault Carrier
Opposition: The United Clans of Mandalore
Allies: The Order of the Silver Jedi

There had been no shortage of commotion on the deck as countless personnel mobilized. Equipment had been moved through every open space; supplies and armaments made available in preparation for contact with the enemy. Ah, the enemy. Mandalorians. Sith. First Order, perhaps? Countless other allies that may come to bolster the numbers of the Clans the Jedi sought to... punish. Yes, inspiration speeches had been cast about on all sides. Thunderous claps from synchronized boots coming to attention. Boisterous cheers accepting their role in the conflict spread out before them. There was much to do, and much to not think about above all.

Off to one side a purple woman sat atop an empty crate dressed in 'battle armor,' but showed no movement toward any vessel that remain in the hanger. Her bright eyes watched as ship after ship departed. Silent was the Master; her thoughts kept to herself and even the ghosts of the Force had quieted. A solemn display of warriors heading off to war. Some would die. Some would live. Who could say what the future held?

Lucera's eyes fell toward the deck for a moment in reflection. Too many had she seen. The sight was only a potential destiny that lay ahead for those she saw, but they were a strong potential. Knowing and Doing were two separate, but linked facets of existence. If no action was taken, fate would run its course. In acting, however, the fates of others may be dictated in ways that could not be foreseen. A burden that had the Jedi Master hold her counsel a number of times, for what would be gained if she saved one and doomed a hundred?

Another minuted passed before the Keshiri got to her feet. Her hands slid over the armor needlessly. Seemed she had gotten used to the robes. Admittedly there was a familiarity to wearing the heavier equipment, but it was not a joyous reunion. It was time, then. She turned toward the doors as they began to open and bowed slightly to Master [member="Veiere Arenais"]. "Would you care for company, Master?" She smiled and extended a hand to one of the remaining vessels. One in particular. The future was always in motion, but she saw the currents and would help Veiere arrive where he was needed.

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Location: Azure,Spaceport
Allies: @AX-0021 [member="Laandur Solus"] UCM
Enemies: [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Romi Jade"], [member="Josh Dragonsflame"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Ador Horn"], [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]
Equipment: MandelArms Beskar'gam, ACS-203 Hellfire Autocannon, M44 Close Assault Weapons system, Monroe-Horak multipurpose combat rifle, ForceBreaker Gas Grenade launcher, Crushgaunts, Lightsaber


The soldier knew what was expected of her... It reminded him of Varas in that sense. genetically grown tools made such easy beings to control, except with Twenty One he was careful, when commissioning this army, the troops under his command were meant to always be loyal to his command. Less they fear the price for failure, while he had groomed Twenty-One to be the best of the best. He deemed the others just simply guns to wield at his command. Something he wished he had done to perhaps his greatest creation, and also his greatest failure. Snapped out of his pondering he was in the middle of the streets as he saw Jedi ships coming down. He couldn't have been anymore excited to meet them, all the while chaos was all over the streets.

Civilians kept getting in the way, while himself, his loyal servant along with several others in the small squad they made up, outside of Twenty-One with her own Beskar' Gam. Himself and other soldiers of the Crimson Devas were clad in standard issue Beskar' Gam. cheap,durable and just what he needed to fool the not so good guys. The group kept moving quickly, nodding as he heard his subordinate's words. Walking these ruined streets, civilians dying, blood flowing on the ground. It brought him back. With the opening stages of the battle beginning to already bring suffering. It was like the past conflicts he had experienced. War... It never ceases to change yet only evolve. He often himself had no qualms about killing people, he often did it to further the ends of greater peace. It had what kept the First Imperial going in his past life, and the fuel to the flame that he is as a Ren.

He moved carefully, spotting groups of Jedi, touching down around the space port. He was careful to avoid enemy patrols, the element of surpise was key, his soldiers knew that during their harsh training on Mustafar, and than in the conquests of the Unknown Regions. Watching as he had sensed a familiar presence, a group of Jedi, some of which seemed familiar as a memory of old. "We must hurry, we will contain the enemy, minimize civilan casualties if at all possible." He said sternly through his rough tone of voice. He moved quickly following the signatures that he thought were familiar. Trying to fix on them as he ducked through street to street. Moving like shadows that hugged the walls.

Going out through an opening, he was nearing one of the outer entrances of the space port, what he felt through the Force growing stronger, the rush of adrenaline pumping through his veins. A challenge was upon him, and soon they would strike hard, and strike fast than a matter of time before moving in for the kill. It was almost funny, he was here to kill the Jedi, but years ago he never thought to side with the Mandalorians... Well years change things, and he had his visions that he would soon see, a galaxy without fear of the Jedi was one of them.

 

[Ruus]

Location: Concord Dawn, Ocean Surface, Azure
Allies: United Clans of Mandalore & Allies
Enemies: Order of the Silver Jedi & Allies
Forces

Spoiler

Concord Dawn
Mandalorian Guard 200/200

---

The Mandalorian Guard organization had been given a new budget to build a oceanic command and control vessel to act as a headquarters and staging platform for their peacekeeping actions. This resulted in the creation of the Concord Dawn which utilized archaic paddle wheel technology in an upgraded capacity, leading towards a more shallow keel that hosted several tracks. This design allowed the Concord Dawn to operate amphibiously, in deep ocean, as well as inland waterways.

Long gone were the days of oceanic warfare and purpose built aquatic fleets. The advent of the Starship many tens of thousands of years prior had supplanted them. The reason behind this technological necromancy was simple, the Mandalorian Guard were a small organization (in comparison to many) with no need for full fledged starships. What they required was a cheaply maintained and effective force projection solution for their limited operations. Azure was to be home of the field testing of the Concord Dawn to see if such technology would prove useful. However the Mandalorian Guard nor Ruus had been expecting yet another invasion. It seemed no matter where Ruus was stationed the Captain would always be hounded by geopolitical events.

Ruus had been sitting in the command chair on the Concord Dawn's bridge, running the vessel through a series of maneuverability tests before the call came over the communications network that the planet had become a galactic war flash point. The Captain paused for a few long seconds before telling a bridge officer "Get in touch unified command. Tell them that the Concord Dawn is awaiting orders." meanwhile Ruus activated the vessel's alarms for the crew to get to battle stations "Alert! Alert! General Quarters! Alert! Alert! General Quarters" the robotic voice proclaimed as a siren made three high pitched clanging noises, then repeated its message again. The port and starboard wheels spun up with the sounds of turbines whistling in the hull, the Concord Dawn began making it's way to the improvised home port of the UCM forces. Dozens of Guard Officers rushed onto the decks of the ship and manned the series of auxiliary weapons. The casemate laser batteries extended from the hull on either side of the ship's shrouded water wheels.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Wait.

No.

Kahlil watched in horror as the Silver Jedi Fleet dropped into orbit. Not because he knew that there would be no peace, not with a fleet that large. But because of the Mandalorians. The very ship he stood on opened fire as soon as the fleet dropped from hyperspace. This wasn't.. No. They were suppose to try for peace. It wasn't too late. It couldn't be too late. The young Jedi swallowed hard, his hands balling into fists.

He needed to stop this. He left his post on [member="Kaine Australis"] 's ship, heading right to the ships bridge. They couldn't keep going like this. The war couldn't keep spreading. Kahlil stepped up, right behind the Mandalorian General, and pulled out his saber. It was off, but the intention was clear.

"I can't let you force this war. Please, surrender. Let peace win."

 

[Gir Quee]

Location: Wavebreak-class Battlecruiser Rathalay Resolution, near Azure
Objective: Obtain Space Superiority
Allies: [member="Reshmar"], [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"], and other SJO personnel
Enemies: [member="Kaine Australis"] (currently engaging); [member="Dezoti"] (nearby, not currently engaged), other UCM and allied personnel

"Commander Dars," said Gir, "get the formation executing the Beta-Four battle drill."

"Aye sir," said the balding man after a sharp salute.

"New contacts spotted," yelled out a bothan sensor operator.

Gir's eyes darted around the tactical map, watching as the new sensor contacts were added with what available information the sensors had been able to glean. He blinked in surprise. The Chiss Ascendancy. Isolationists usually...what would cause them to be here in such force, and on good terms with the Mandalorians no less? Never seen them or their ships before, I guess this will be a learning experience. He rapidly tapped two buttons, alerting reinforcements under Admiral [member="Reshmar"] about the new threat. In several ways, the mon calamari admiral was better suited for facing this foe than he was. I'll have to keep tabs on the Chiss now as well as the Sith Empire forces that just appeared in Azure's atmosphere. I wondered if we have incidentally interrupted something far more sinister than we had imagined. I guess the Silver Shadows and our intelligence branches will have more to tell us once this is all done...But we'll be doing our part too. The clouds of nagnol gas would hopefully obscure the launch of dozens of probe droids from the Silver Jedi warships. The droids would continue passively on their routes, establishing a network of sensors which would better map out of the system and act as early warning systems for the Silver Jedi forces. Gir shook his head as if to shake the thoughts away and focus on the more immediate threat presented by Kaine Australis' forces.

He rapidly flipped through several data screens on his console, all while giving brief glances back to the tactical holo-map. They're charging headlong at us...and we're still getting strong sensor pinged by enemy sensors despite the nagnol gas. A number of Erebus jamming arrays on his Tempest-class Star Destroyers were adding another level of sensor distortion to the Mandalorians by altering their sensor pings. He pursed his lips. That isn't entirely unexpected. ECM and ECCM are constantly evolving fields. Many of his vessels were equipped with the newer Metis Sensor Array, itself designed to defeat traditional jamming from full-spectrum distortion projectors and other devices. Their own sensors were being boosted by closer allied sensors themselves from Task Force Raider. I wonder if that's what's going on here as well...He cast his eyes on a chipper Elomin who was his communication's department chief.

"Yag'tul, we better start jamming their comm waves. We'll have to follow frequency-hopping protocols from here on out..."

A toothy grin grew across the alien's face, "As you wish boss."

Any spare bandwidth within the fleet's Oracle-class Comm Packages would now be designated to broadcast static into enemy comm frequencies with classic brute force jamming. Everything with that tactic depended on distance. The closer the host and receiver were, the less effective it would be w hile conversely, the farther away the broadcasting ships were, the more effective would be. It may not even work though, I've heard rumors that the Mandos have some gravity-based communication's device...but it'll probably stop them from talking clearly with their Sith and Chiss allies. But as Gir contemplated these thoughts, the battlefield continued to evolve.

Under the partial obscuration of nagnol gas clouds, the vessels of Task Force Resolution began to shift positions per Battle Drill Beta Four, with the Stellar Argonaut and Plo Koon jetting off with a small school of escort frigates in a flanking maneuver that would eventually take them around the Mandalorian's port side and possibly even their rear. The sturdier Resolution plowed forward, forming a shield wall with the quartet of Verne-class Armored Cruisers, behind which more escort frigate and corvettes hid. Lastly, the quartet of the Providence, Starlit Surprise, Galactic Gallant, and Kas Todd took up a classic Geonosis Square formation which allowed them to continue to project their long-range weapon's fire at the enemy.

But the mandalorians wouldn't simply let the Silver Fleet execute their maneuvers unmolested.

The dash forward by the Mandalorians caught some of the Silver Fleet's vessels while vulnerable. While it was much harder to hit small and moving vessels from a larger ship, the results when they did occur were spectacular. Blue Four and Red Seven briefly flickered under enemy fire before exploding into brilliant, incandescent fireballs while the escort frigate Gold Two suffered a catastrophic hull breach just behind her main hangar that saw the ignition of its starfighter fuel stores. Escape pods jetted away from the doomed vessel while an unfliching crew of Marinus droids took over the vessel. Now abandoned by its organic crew, the scorched hull of Gold Two surged forward in a suicidal ramming attack aimed at the Shabuir's bow. The forward dash of the mandalorian assault corvettes with their starfighter-grade missiles brought them straight into range of Silver Fleet weapons that previously did not have the range to target anything before. Iris turbolasers, Firestorm Plasma turbolasers, and autocannons from the Rathalay Resolution,Tae Daith, Mak Lotor, Windo Nend, and Aubrie Wyn filled the space with brilliant light. Admiral Quee frowned as Ariela placed a hand on the man's shoulder.

"They're throwing themselves into the meatgrinder."

Quee crossed his arms, "And they're outnumbered too. "

As if to punctuate that statement, the Resolution's four Onager Rail Cannons sequentially fired, sending out massive, searing blue bolts of plasma aimed right at the Terror Australis's forward turrets. Homing lasers danged behind the bolts before abruptly veering off in controlled pulses to scythe through the incoming formations of Mandalorian fighters. While roughly matched in terms of numbers, the Silver Jedi's starfighters stayed close to the friendly warships, whose point-defenses would lash out at the Mandalorian vessels as targets of opportunity or shoot down enemy warheads.




Task Force Resolution

Spoiler

Wavebreak-class Battlecruiser Rathalay Resolution
Tempest-class Star Destroyer Stellar Argonaut
Tempest-class Star Destroyer Plo Koon
Tritones Heavy Cruiser Providence
Pelagic Star Cruiser Starlit Surprise
Pelagic Star Cruiser Galactic Gallant
Verne Armored Cruiser Tae Daith
Verne Armored Cruiser Mak Lotor
Verne Armored Cruiser Windo Nend
Verne Armored Cruiser Aubrie Wyn
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold One
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Two (Heavily damaged, conducting suicidal ramming attack)
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Three
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Four
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Five
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Six
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Seven
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Eight
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Nine
Trieste Escort Frigate Gold Ten
MC22 Tangler Interdiction Corvette Kas Todd
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue One
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Two
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Three
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Four (Destroyed)
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Five
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Six
Catalina-class Light Corvette Blue Seven
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red One
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Two
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Three
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Four
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Five
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Six
Catalina-class Light Corvette Red Seven (Destroyed)

12 Squadrons of Vortex II-class Interceptors (240 Interceptors) (screening Task Force Resolution)
12 Squadrons of Mistral-class Starfighters (144 Starfighters) (screening Task Force Resolution)
12 Squadrons of Cyclone-class Star Bombers (still embarked in warships) (144 starbombers)
16 Squadrons of Gale-class Heavy Fighters in Hunter-Killer configuration (still embarked in warships) (128 Heavy Fighters)

(OOC Note: some ships listed in previous notes are now being used by other writers - feel free to PM if you have any questions about these vessels)

 

[AX-0021]

Private AX-0021
Post 2
Equipment: MandalArms FZ.14 Mandalorian War Armor w/ “Slick” Anti-Acid Coating, MandalArms Annihilator, Shock Mace, F-11E Blaster Rifle w/ Disguised Frame/Appearance and Diagonal Foregrip, 2 G-20 Glop Grenades, 2 CryoBan Grenades
Location: Surface - Azure
Allies: [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Nicair Claden"] [member="Laandur Solus"], UCM and TSE
Enemies: [member="Coren Starchaser"] (Engaging) [member="Celiana"] [member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Lucera Maive"] [member="Romi Jade"] [member="Josh Dragonsflame"] [member="Tracyn Ordo"] [member="Seth Brackson"] [member="Jerek Morrows"], SJO and Allied Forces

It was chaos in the streets.

AX-0021 ran with her Dark Master as he led her through the crowds of people attempting to head back to their homes. War had finally come to their lonely water world, and it was the Jedi who sounded its eerie horns. Up in the sky, the wide-eyed clone witnessed a light show of flashing blips as Silver Jedi warships translated into realspace over the peaceful planet. It wasn’t long until the atmosphere was filled with dropships and atmospheric vessels, which sought to land their payload of rapacious Jedi thugs close to the spaceport, presumably to establish a foothold on the planet itself. No doubt they believed their vicious crusade to be fair and just, but their self-righteous arrogance blinded them to their own barbaric ways, much like the Jedi of the ancient Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. Through their treacherous lips, the Jedi spoke of peace and serenity, but their hands were covered with the blood of countless screaming innocents. Though she was not a scholar of galactic history, AX-0021 was familiar with one adage which had consistently itself proven to be true throughout time and space.

Wherever there was war, there was always the Jedi.

As she got closer to the spaceport, the civilian presence in the battlespace began to slowly diminish. Nevertheless, there were still errant or lost individuals who were paralyzed by fear at the sight of such a large hostile fleet in their peaceful skies. AX-0021 approached a distraught teenage boy who didn’t balk at her presence, perhaps due to her unimposing vertical stature.

“Excuse me, sir!” AX-0021 spoke calmly as she placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “This is a conflict zone, can you make your way home?”

He looked up at the diminutive soldier standing in front of him as his expression slowly shifted to one of clarity. “I...I think I can...I’ll-”

“Good. Leave, now. Run home as fast as you can.” AX-0021 interrupted. “If you hear blaster fire keep running. If the ground starts to shake and you see explosions, get into the nearest building and stay low until it stops.”

The boy nodded. “Thank you, miss!” With that, he stood up to his full height. A brief expression of surprise came over his features when he realized just how much taller he was than the little woman who had addressed him. Nevertheless, he turned and sprinted away from the spaceport as fast as his long legs could carry him.

AX-0021 took a deep breath and continued into the spaceport past rows of terminals and abandoned luggage carts. The volume of the blaster fire amplified within her ears as she approached their source. Only a few moments later, they had arrived at the combat zone. Moreover, the thought that had passed her mind only a few minutes before proved to be true. The first thing she saw through the sights of her blaster rifle’s electroscope was the fiery blue-light glow of a Jedi’s lightsaber as its wielder ([member="Coren Starchaser"]) channeled the cosmic energies into a potent telekinetic blast which was aimed at the Mandalorian combatants. Sensor data streamed into her consciousness within nanoseconds of making enemy contact. Firstly, there was approximately forty meters of distance between herself and the Jedi. She had a clear sight line to the lightsaber-wielding thug as well, though there was thick cover which she could hide behind only a few meters from her current position.

Contact had been established and the battle was set to begin very quickly...

 

[Asaraa Vaashe]

​

Location: Space above Azure; On board the Terror Australis
Objective: Shine bright.

Tagging:
Allies: [member="Amon Vizsla"] | [member="Setter Ryburn"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Bushi Nadora"] | [member="Mariel Dawnrider"] | [member="Kat Decoria"] | @Wilhelm von Reinherdt | [member="Laira Darkhold"]
Enemies: [member='[/FONT]Kahlil Zambrano'] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Ronan Vizsla"]

Gear:

• Spoiler

  Nephil and Seraph
  [*]Kervanos
  [*]Svalinn
  [*]Twin Burners
  [*]Fate's Dance
  [*]Murr Earrings
  [*]Theia Glasses
  [*]Ianua Dagger
  [*]Shiva Dagger x 6
  [*]Alchys Grenade x 4
  [*]

​

"I want you to cause as much chaos as you can, inside or outside this ship. I've heard you're good under pressure. Call us if you need it. Everyone switch to local channels on your comms. We're on our own now."

Cause as much chaos as she could? That was a very loose definition of things to do, but then that's how she liked it, that flexibility would allow her to have the biggest impact, to do whatever it was she needed to help get the job done, to be where she needed to be. Asaraa had always hated the idea that her life wasn't her own to control, to direct the path of, there were many in the Order who were more than happy with the idea of surrendering themselves to the force and letting it guide them. The pink-haired Jedi had never found that as easy as some people especially after...well after things happened. The Jedi's crystal blue gaze dropped down to her fist, clenching and and unclenching her fist, feeling the fabric of her glove pulling against her digits. It was a faint resistance, just enough to let her know that something was there, just like the touch of the force. Asaraa was sensitive enough to feel that faint touch pushing her, faint but inexorable, no matter what you did where you went it lead you to wherever it wanted you to go.

The pink-haired knight's mind flashed back to her meeting with Caedyn after he'd returned from meeting his family. She could see how the stress of the situation, of dealing with the way the war was tearing his family apart, differing ideals and responsibilities all coming together into a clash of epic proportions. The girl brought her hand up, resting it over her heart as she closed her heart, trying to reach out to him through the force, just enough to let him know she was still here, still alive. It was a story that was being writ large across the whole galaxy, families and friends tore apart in the pitilessly cold grasp of war. There wasn't anywhere you could go to escape it, much like the touch of the force. She'd thought about getting on her ship and just picking a star in the night sky and flying there, A chance to escape the war, the cold feeling that slid down her spine like icicles sliding down her soul. She could have done it, she could have escaped it if she'd really wanted to, but then what? What of the tides of blood the Mandalorian's would have spit, the cities and families that they'd have devastated and destroyed. The temples they'd burn and innocents that they'd sacrifice at the altar of the Infernal, the figure who stood across the entire Mandalorian culture like some dark god staring down at the galaxy she'd made weep tears of blood and suffering. There was no way that Asaraa could turn her back on this, there was no way any Jedi of any calibre could feel the pain and suffering caused by the Mandalorians and not feel the need to do something, to prevent them from hurting anyone else. She couldn't do it, she couldn't turn a blind eye to them, and the Order had agreed, had decided that someone had to stand up for the innocent life in the galaxy.

Blue eyes flicked open, her gaze steady, unyielding as the knight lowered her first to her side, letting it rest there as she sucked in a deep breath, the decision to go to war was not one anyone took lightly, but to preserve the innocents of the galaxy, to save them from a dark future sometimes actions were needed. Sometimes you reached a tipping point where the only way to make a difference, to prevent the very force from crying out in anguish and pain all you could do was step forward and be counted, to say no more, enough. That's what she, no that's what the entire Order behind her, their friends and allies were doing. This is enough.

A deep breath filled Asaraa's lungs for a moment before she let it out, letting the jumble of her thoughts, her worries and concerns flow out of her. It was important to consider, but not where it would get killed, or worse get someone else killed. She'd been given a mission, to cause as much chaos as possible. A small smile touched her lips at that, when she was younger she'd have taken it as a reason to go running through the ship, lightsaber in hand, slashing through consoles and being a general menace to the ship and it's personnel, a little red-skinned devil. A hand drifted towards the lightsaber's secured at her waist, that's not to say that it wouldn't be fun to try but she'd come to realise that there were better ways to do it. "So, I do love the weather we're having here," she allowed conversationally, blue eyes twinkling at the squad who'd been left on support duty. "Do you guys mind if I hang out with you here a little bit?" It honestly wasn't like she was giving them much of a choice in the matter as her sword and shield floated away to rest against a wall, even if they didn't want her around, she was still a lieutenant with the rangers and no-one really wanted to be the one to tell an officer no. She didn't actually plan to be in their way when it came down to it, boots making a soft thump against the floor as she walked over to the nearby wall, folding into a cross-legged position. She looked like any other young woman doing yoga, legs entwined and her hands resting in her lap...only she was floating in the air.

Bright blue eyes closed, stress seeming to float away from Asaraa's face as she fell back into the force, the ever present energy surrounding her like an ocean, little eddys and currents denoting the otherrs around her. As she sanke deeper and deeper into the energy she could feel them, sense the fear and bravery of the soldiers around her, the unwavering resolve of Setter and Amon as they pushed through the ship, the dedication of the Mandalorian crew members as alarms and klaxons alerted them to the presence of the boarders. She could feel the deadly focus of the fighter pilots floating around her in the cold void of space, even the shocked presence of Kahlil. And somewhere out there, like a dark lodestone an evil like none she'd ever felt before, fathomless, deep, terrifying. She could feel those Sith memories, that personality long chained shift away in fear, fall away quietly as they'd never done, overawed by the presence of the Dark Lord of the Sith. As the energy of the force flooded through her it felt like she could see, could feel everything around her as she drew in more and more energy, until she shone in the force, a bright beacon to all those who could sense her through the force. Energy almost spilling from the pores of her skin as she seemed to shift and shimmer ever so slightly in the air.

Asaraa had only ever tried this alone once before, and she'd been overwhelmed. If Josh hadn't stepped in to help her, to rescue her the pressure of all those minds of taking in all their pain would have crushed her, left her a wreck barely capable of thinking, let alone acting. This time, this time she'd do better. Carefully the girl reached out with her mind, tendril of energy reaching out to all the Jedi and their allies, the rangers, the pilots the fleet crews. She reached out to all of them, the gentlest of touches as she gathered them all into an embrace. It wasn't just them though, she reached out to the Mandalorians those crewing the ship, those pilots in the air and in other nearby ships, to the sith that she could reach. Again the lightest of touches as she pulled them all into an embrace again.

A moment of calm, of quiet filled the Jedi Knight's mind as she sank deeper into the force, feeling the warmth of the energy suffusing her limbs, and then that beacon of light seemed to explode into a sun as she acted. Asaraa had learnt not to try to take anything from too many people, instead she pushed her own feelings onto them. To her allies, the other Jedi her love and pride, the loyalty she felt to them all and her determination to stop the Mandalorian's spilling anymore blood, a feeling of unity and oneness as she connected all of them. To the Mandalorians her own feelings of uncertainty, of fear and doubt, all the feelings that plagued her constantly, the fear that the Sith within her would break free, that she'd betray her friends again, that she wasn't good enough and that despite everything she tried she'd fail.

Only she wouldn't, Asaraa refused to fail in this, she'd protect them all, all of her allies and all those in the galaxy who trusted in them, who looked to the Jedi for guidance or protection. Today she'd show them all that the Order was here for them, that they would stand as a shield against those in the galaxy who only looked out for themselves, for raiding and reaving, that they'd act as the sword to strike back against the forces of Evil, be they the Sith Empire or their attack dogs the Mandalorians. Today the Jedi would show that they wouldn't be bowed, wouldn't be snuffed out.

The light still shone.

Spoiler: Actions

Battle Meditation Activated.

 

[Jerek Morrows]

Resistance was a good word.

The Mandalorians had a firm command of the world, and the Starport was alive with security systems and beskar-clad warriors all intent on barring their entry. And why not? They had laid claim to the planet, they had rooted themselves in the infrastructure and established socioeconomic protocols, even if Azure were by all rights a fringe world in terms of their Galactic Holdings.

It didn't make hostilities, or the prospect of having their sovereignty undermined, any less unappealing. The problem for a Jedi was in remaining neutral, all while understanding the reasons for actions on all sides. The reason Jerek had not pursued a career in diplomacy?

In politics, someone always loses. There was no right or wrong that couldn't be reasonably justified if you took the time. In landing on Azure, it remained to be seen who would lose, and what would be lost.

Lives, certainly. Ways of life. He stepped out of the landing craft under heavy fire, ducking low to remain behind a reasonable amount of cover. No time to complain about how hot the LZ was.

The clock was already ticking.

"Acknowledged, General Starchaser," Jerek replied calmly across the comm, "Jedi Morrows, with you on your six." He kept his head on the swivel, watching carefully for any noncombatants as they cleared out of the dropship and filtered into the crossfire.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Kat Decoria]

Location: Boarding the Terror Australis
Objective: Hack comms
Allies: [member="Setter Ryburn"] @Amon Viszla [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Mariel Dawnrider"] [member="Bushi Nadora"]
Enemies: [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

[SIZE=11pt]Things were moving forward quickly. Kat had last minute decided to switch to the boarding team instead of protecting them. The thoughts of flying again so soon after Taanab, it was too much and Kat couldn’t face it yet. She decided it would do her better to be a part of a boarding team, at least then she isn’t the one in charge either. Gearing up, Kat made sure she had her assault rifle, Force pike and a blaster pistol attached to her thigh. She felt a deep well of sorrow as she watched Cyan Squad jump onto their ships ready to do their duty, she tapped her comms and gave them their orders and objectives. Protect the drop pods and then take down enemy fighters, also she might have mentioned to stay alive. Stepping into the pod, she noticed that there were familiar faces and some new ones. Kat politely nodded her head to everyone and took a seat.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The ride to the Terror Australis, which Kat thought was a silly name for a ship, but then she found most ships had silly names it seemed nowadays, the ride was bumpy which was predictable, boarding an enemy ship was never going to go smoothly. However, when they landed, she heard the reports of other drop pods not making it, she breathed out as she could feel her body shake with the knowledge that they lost people. Parents who could never see their children grow up, children whose parents will have to mourn forever. It was a lot to take in, but Kat did her best to put on a brave face and show that she was ready to continue with the objective at hand. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Setter gave the orders, assigning Mariel and Bushi, two interesting looking Jedi one of whom her niece called birdy. Asaraa was told to make trouble and chaos, which was vague but Asaraa seemed to be in her element. Amon and Scherezade were assigned to join Setter and then that was it. Kat wasn’t told anything, she tilted her head and then looked down to make sure she was there. She was, Kat shrugged, figuring that he must have been distracted with the job at hand to realise he missed a person. Looking to Asaraa, she was the only one on her own so made sense to team up with her. Checking her gear, she walked over to Asaraa and waved. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Asaraa went into a deep trance, Kat had heard about it, it was a Battle Meditation, something she wasn’t quite ready to learn but Kat knew that she was interested in learning more about it. To lift your allies up and demoralise your enemies in the same action, it was something that Kat could only dream of being possible. Yet with the Force, dreams were all too easy it seemed. She took a seat, looking over to the support team, they would protect Asaraa best they could but Kat was a different style of fighter. Something harder to predict and beat with a Lightsaber. She hadn’t gotten her own one yet but she was on the path. Kat was just unsure what style of Lightsaber she wanted and wasn’t sure she could give up using her father’s Force Pike. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Sitting, she could feel Asaraa’s presence and knew that she was working hard. Kat would be ready to defend her against anyone.[/SIZE]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

​

​

Objective: Board the Terror Australis.​

Inventory: Jedi Armor, Lightsaber, Heavy Buckler, CS.38 Side-Arm.​

Opposition: [member="Kaine Australis"], [member="Kahlil Zambrano"], [member="Ronan Vizsla"].​

Allies: [member="Amon Vizsla"], [member="Setter Ryburn"],​

[member="Scherezade deWinter"], [member="Bushi Nadora"], [member="Mariel Dawnrider"], [member="Kat Decoria"].​

​

​

​

The time had come...

Caedyn's Father had warned him and his Sister, [member="Loreena Arenais"] about the likelihood of further fighting between the Clans of Mandalore and the Silver Jedi Order. They had answered his call and met with him aboard the Judiciary some time after the incident on Umbara where Caedyn had been present; There were also later rumors of an attack on H'ratth.

Once upon a time, he had been proud of his being born into House Arenais, he was younger then and their lives upon Commenor had looked vastly different to today's. Caedyn's family's connection to the Mandalorian Empire as it was once called, had been one of many signs of Commenor's neutral stance and representation of peace in the Galaxy. His Cousin, [member=Yasha Cadera] had sounded so much nicer back then, coming from the words of his Mother, back before he would learn of the Clan's aggression towards others outside of their culture.

Thanks to his Mom, [member="Kay Arenais"] and probably his Sister too, he hadn't ever been on the receiving end of their anger until Umbara, where it was rumored that the United Clans had been framed, yet trying to figure out the truth meant deciphering through the bias between his Parents...

So now, having strapped himself into his safety harness, locked into position within the Drop Pod, he'd soon be launched directly at his Uncle, [member="Kaine Australis"]' Starship. Ahead of him, [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] had already boarded the Terror-Australis, and were currently being engaged by Mandalorian Forces; the pair of them had been together since before the invasion of Commenor, where the Sith Emperor had held his home-world for a year-long occupancy. Given how much they cared for one another, it was only natural for Caedyn to go in after her in the hope that their objective be met, and she returned home in one piece.

Joining him were a squad of Antarian Rangers whom had fought with him on Umbara. They were good people who took pride in their reasons for joining the Rangers and fighting in these times; like many of the Silver Jedi Caedyn had come to know, they too sought to maintain a sense of law and order in the Galaxy, and to safe-guard the betterment of Galactic Society as much as possible. The Squadron of Rangers were independent of Caedyn however, and he didn't much like the idea of commanding a group into battle either; together however they stood a better chance of completing their mission and withdrawing with as fewer casualties as they could manage.

With everyone aboard, the intercom sounded and their instructions were given. Before long, something around them groaned and quaked, parts of the magna-locks that held the pod in place shifted and then suddenly the gravity beneath them seemed to lurch upwards as the pod was jettisoned off towards it's target. The seconds passed slowly, as though time itself had stopped so that Caedyn could try to make sense of the moment and perhaps even appreciate it before all hell broke loose; his mind however caught up with the adrenaline rushing through him and his senses returned to the sounds of explosions and collisions of turbo-laser fire somewhere between the two great warring fleets.

Their arrival was less than graceful, the Drop-Pod crashed against the Terror-Australis, throwing it's passengers about, though thankfully secured into their seats. They'd arrived within one of the hangar's aboard the massive battle-cruiser, though their specific position, Caedyn didn't have the moment to ask. The second the Ranger's sought to leave the Pod, they came under fire and Caedyn was forced into the conflict from their very arrival. Lightsaber igniting within his right hand, his left carrying the heavy buckler for which would certainly aid him in the battle against such staunch opponents.

 

[Seth Brackson]

Objectives: Land on Azure, Secure FOB
Allies: SJO, [member="Josh Dragonsflame"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Ador Horn"] [member="Romi Jade"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]
Enemies: UCM
Gear: Seth's Personal Lightsaber Seth's Backup Lightsaber
Post: 2

Seth waited a moment for response. Nothing. Well, he shouldn't of been all that surprised. Whether it was a matter of communications being interfered with, or a lack of communication networks established at the time. Seth would worry about that at a later moment. Right now. He had to deal with the incoming defenses which the mandalorians had established. To make descent a bit more tricky. Then what Seth was really tolerant towards dealing with. He'd retaliate if he could do so without too much collateral damage though the reality was he'd just have to ride it through until he hit the ground.

Finally, the voice of Coren broke the silence once more. Of course, Seth was doing his best. Not to be hit. So, the depth of the words didn't do much for him. Be it some sort of inspirational speech or further instructions. Though, it was certainly a start. Seth felt his vessel shake. As one of the systems alarms began to holler at him. Seth glanced to the alarm, and furrowed his brows and then peered out his window. "Oh.." He said as he observed a wing on the left side of the landing vessel seemed to be lacking a small chunk of itself.

Well, stubbornness does have it's consequences. Seth heaved a sigh as he made due with what he could. Needless to say. Finding that target zone was.. Improbable at the best. Luckily, Seth was pretty certain he had gotten far enough down at this point. That with some effort of fighting with the controls. Who at this point were wailing at him to let auto pilot do what he seemed to be incapable of executing. Made the most of the situation and drove his vessel into the beach. The impact far from smooth and left Seth a bit stunned.

Where was he again? Oh, right. Warzone. Seth moved to get out of his vessel. At which point he glanced out to try and find his bearings. The fight wasn't too far off. Though from where the rest of the ground crew appeared to be setting up the FOB. Seth was in for a bit of a jog, a few scuffles, and possibly some sight seeing? One could dream he thought. After all this world would of made for a nice place to relax. In any other circumstances.

Seth moved the hilt of his backup lightsaber to his main hand refusing to activate it quite yet. The properties of it made it a better tool for engagements like this. Then began to move towards the current position the FOB was being set up. Be wary of civilians. Seth reminded himself. It wasn't their goal here to draw more blood than what was necessary. In fact if he didn't make it to the FOB he might be forced to redirecting his attention to aiding civilians. Especially, seeing at it was likely he'd stumble upon some prior to his destination. The occasional chatters on the radio strongly emphasizing that point.

When Seth finally felt he was within a concerning range of the engagement. The blue blade lit up in his hand. While he felt the calming effects of the crystal. No matter what obstacles came at him. Seth had renewed confidence he could think with the right state of mind. So, with that renewed sense of confidence.. He began to deflect the occasional bolt shot his direction. While he closed the distance to the rest of the group.

 

[Fiore]

Location: Southeast Boarder of UCM Space
Objective: Enjoy Lasagna!
Allies: UCM & Co [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Kyrel Ren"]
Enemies: SJO, Soon: [member="Josh Dragonsflame"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Seth Brackson"] [member="Ador Horn"] [member="Romi Jade"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]
With: [member="Cardinam"]

It’s always a wonderful feeling with the mission is a success. Especially when there is a reward other than money afterwards. Fiore knelt in front of the stove that harbored their reward from the last mission. She watched as the bubbling cheese caramelized and browned, the Elf could feel her mouth salivating as she could smell the aroma. The ship had filled with the scent of sausage and cheese, finished off with the sweetness of tomato sauce. Several heads poked in as Fiore sat mesmerized in front of the oven.

A voice sang through the air, teasing the elf. “Must be pretty magical if it got you sitting still.” Fiore looked over her shoulder at the slender Echani woman who had turned the corner and grinned. Walking over, the woman also knelt and watched the bubbling of the cheese and leaned against her fellow crew member. “The whole ship smells like this stuff.” Lids continued as she nudged Fiore in her own way of showing her excitement. Fiore had learned the necessary touch points the Echani woman had. It was their culture and at first it didn’t agree so well with Fiore. She would constantly hide from the woman who just wanted to make friends with her crewmate.

“Karl is looking forward to it.” Lids continued, Fiore went wide eyed as the man who was usually the quiet one of the bunch and never seemed to have a positive thought in his mind, was looking forward to something. Fiore buried her head into her arms as she looked at the timer. “Oh, I hope it’s good then.” She responded nodding, suddenly feeling slightly self-conscious.

The timer went off several minutes later and Fiore stood up quickly, which caused poor Lids to tumble backwards. Yet, with the grace of her heritage, she made it work and stood up quickly. To see an Echani off balance would be like banthas suddenly growing wings and flying. Opening the oven, the aroma filled the ship even more. This caused footsteps to scamper around the ship as they all headed towards the mess hall. Everyone gathered, even Kirkland as Fiore slowly walked out and carried their precious prize.

The Best Lasagna the Galaxy had to offer.​

​

Slowly setting it down, Fiore began to cut it. The tender noodles sliced and the cheese and bechamel sauce oozed from between each layer of delicately made pasta. Kirkland tried to reach over and grab a corner, but with the dexterity of a Force assassin, Fiore didn’t miss a beat and smacked the back of his knuckles with the blunt spine of her knife. “Wait your turn.” Kirkland pouted and rubbed his hand, laugher echoed around the table and Fiore smiled.

Since joining with Cardinam and this ragtag bunch, Fiore had finally found her place in the galaxy. Smiling was more apparent, and she enjoyed it. Handing out plates to everyone, she began to settle herself in. Before she could take a bite, someone ran through the door and interrupted dinner.

“Lots LOTS of SHIPS, Silver Spacy! UCM! Not Good NOT GOOD!” Fiore sat there with a bite of lasagna in her mouth, “Wut?”.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Location: Bridge of the Terror Australis
Objective: Stop the war
Allies: N/A
Enemies: N/A
Nearby: [member="Caedyn Arenais"] [member="Kat Decoria"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Kaine Australis"]

"Damnit." Kahlil frowned, turning to leave the bridge. There was only one person he needed to stop right now. This war couldn't keep going. Already he could feel so much death around him. It sickened him. The barracks weren't far, but how much longer before he'd be targeted by the Mandalorians now that he was trying to stop them? And the Silvers were still fighting themselves.

Time wasn't on his side at all.

He went barreling through the halls, rushing to the barracks in a hopes that he could reach the Mandalorian General before it was too late. He had to believe it wasn't too late, no matter how many ships blew up or how many people died. There had to be a way to stop more people from dying, and he'd find it.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​

Location: ???
Allies: UCM, [member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="Joycelyn Zambrano"]
Enemies: [member="Romi Jade"] (Eventually), [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Cotan Sar'andor"], [member="Josh Dragonsflame"], [member="Ador Horn"]. [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Jerek Morrows"]

Once more they courted oblivion.

No matter the reasoning, no matter what casus belli was drummed up by the governing bodies involved, no matter how good the cause behind a "justified war". War was still war bringing with it violence, tragedy, and sorrow. Death carried souls away to the afterlife and destruction rolled over entire worlds causing irreparable damage, the kind of damage that would never fade. Deep in the darkness outside the bounds of reality things lurked, watching, waiting. As they always had been, as they always will. They were entities beyond comprehension dreamers, devourers, horrors beyond description. If one was lucky they never had to encounter such creations, their lives remained untouched, and most could go about blissfully ignorant at the great terror that lurks beyond the veil.

Until they courted oblivion.

In a remote corner an island a relative distance from the mainland starport an old series of ruins sat dilapidated, dusty, forgotten. They were pounded by weather, overgrown by nature, and eroded by time. Azura had nothing no natural resources, no cities, nothing except a boundless sea and islands carrying the shards of the past. The mainland held a great starport and it was on the mainland that most of the fighting had started. Everything changed on this one lone, forgotten bit of land when they had arrived. It was a freighter that was unlike anything the mainstream galaxy had ever seen its design was unmistakably a product of deep space technology touched down, intricate lines wove in patterns across the metal, while the vessel bristled with archaic gun barrels. A procession emerged from the vessel of what could only be described at first glance as walking corpses. They were men...or at least they might've been once, long ago their flesh was blackened, cracking and occasionally glowed with the color of orangey red magma. Their nails were long, sharpened into more like talons and crusted with the faintest of dried blood. They adorned themselves in vile vestments, outfits the color of volcanic ash interwoven in wicked, confusing patterns, shapes adorned with symbols. It seemed to make little sense as tubes ran through the apparel held in place by dark rings and chains, as they seemed to enter through their charred skin and exit somewhere else.

It was an absolute mystery how these monsters these...priests could see. The vast majority wore iron masks clasped on and sealed by chains around their heads. Only one individual wore an elaborate, spiked headdress and apparel that set him distinctly apart from the others. While the others merely wore long, charred scimitars whose blades glowed a bright orange on their hips, the leader carried a massive greatsword. It glistened with orange specks and appeared as if it was wrenched from the searing rock of an erupting volcano. He led a procession of two dozen priests, twenty six in all. Each pair flanked one of thirteen chained slaves. They were covered in dirt, clad in rags and crusted with blood from old wounds. Every single one of these slaves were so different it defied comprehension. The pure, impure, the lightsworn crusader, the darkborn killer, the innocent, the greedy. Thirteen of every kind of person none were even remotely similar. They were led to a clearing in the center of the small hut ruins. The leader of their procession raised his clawed hands into the air, calling upon the darkness. Out of the ground in a great circle rose thirteen stalks that twisted and turned, the rockface was unnatural as it absorbed the light, screaming faces seemed to adorn it. Each slave was brought to his or her own pillar and chained to it. A great intricate symbol was burned into the earth which touched each and every pillar at some point, and in some way. Its lines twisted, turned, and cut inward and out in jagged patterns. Each priest took their place alongside the slaves they escorted.

Then he spoke.

Their leader began to utter a profane, vile language no translator in the known galaxy could comprehend. A black puss launched from between jagged teeth with every guttural word. The very world around them seemed to distort as vision fogged, his thrumming words brought forth a choking cloud of darkness. The very ground shook and rumbled while the symbol glowed a baleful green light, the slaves struggled and pulled helplessly on their restraints. Finally at the very climax of the ritual the very earth split asunder and a great bubbling pool of scorching, black tar revealed itself as a wicked, gaping maw formed between the circular pattern. Quite suddenly thirteen black, long, spiked tentacles shot out with lightning speed to wrap around the individuals, ripping them from their restraints like it was nothing, and dragging them screaming into the void mind, body, and soul. They screamed in absolute horror as they were pulled into the burning, jagged maw, drowned beneath it. As soon as the slaves were dragged in every pair of priest walked right into the maw without a care, they made no noise, no screams as their flesh burned off and they vanished beneath it.

Boom.

A geyser exploded spewing thick, viscous, scorching black tar, a liquid born madness spreading insanity and whispers thirty meters into the air. Everything the toxic substance touched was blighted, mutated. Every building, every piece of vegetation, absolutely everything melted beneath its touch. Out from the spewing geyser came great spiked stalks that consumed the pillars, rising into what looked like some sort of jagged cage, except they were alive. A single lone figure emerged from the black ichor, his flesh absolutely drenched in the substance as it fell away. It was a figure that could only be described as a walking mountain over eight feet tall clad in layer after layer of arcane, dark armored plate. The very ground beneath his gargantuan form caved inward from his very steps. A swirling maelstrom of dark side energy that choked the life out of his environment, within this aura was a fully functional phobis device contained within a secured, black crystal, a pair of gauntlets pulled over his hands passively drew the underlying force energy of his environment pulling it into him for stores of energy. What drew attention however was the absolutely monstrous sword strapped to his back. Its sheer size alone was over six and a half feet long, longer than most humanoids are tall. The bladed glowed with runes. Before him the last remaining, lead priest dropped onto all fours before such a deific figure. The Dark Titan didn't so much as gaze upon him as he recognized the figures existence.

Quite suddenly his gaze was pulled skybound, a distant presence drawing his attention. The presence of the light on this world was like bile lodged in ones throat. A presence he would soon correct. He consumed the essence of the force as power swelled into his form, gathered by the Mountain for something.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Location: Aboard Lady Natasii
Allies: UCM and their allies
Enemies: All aggressors
Dance partner: [member="Veiere Arenais"] (soon...waltz maybe?)


Flashes of light in the darkness drew their attention upward from the classified vessel to the star-studded skies above. "Oh no..." There was a battle engaging in orbit. One could see the movements of various ships amongst the stars.

Rutger brought up his comms, overhearing a bunch of chatter. It didn't sound good. Everyone here was severely outnumbered. Getting out wasn't going to be easy either. "I'm afraid our demonstration will have to be cut short for the day. She's not yet ready for battle and--"

"How deep can she go?" Kay cut him off.

"Twenty kilometers at best. Why?"

"Get on board her and go down to safety. Have one of the aquaraiders take you there. I don't want to risk losing you both!"

"Yes, but what about you?"

Kay furrowed her brows. In all fairness she wasn't sure of what would happen. "I'll be fine. Just go and don't come back up for two standard days. Move to the other side of the planet if you have to! I'll send word and come back for you. I promise." She gave him as reassuring of a smile as she could. But they both knew that it might be a promise that she couldn't keep.

After a nod, Rutger moved to climb down from the Lady Natasii and onto one of the aquaraiders. With great speed they headed towards the -classified- vessel to later submerge it and get it out of harm's way deep below the surface.

Kay clenched her jaw as she turned to the ship's Captain. "Time to head back to the platform. Let's hope that our transport is available so that we can get out of here." Though she knew that transport was up there with [member="Kaine Australis"] and his small fleet. With luck they'd have another brought down to them.

"Understood Ma'am." The Captain hurried off, spouting orders to the crew to bring the ship around.

Kay held onto the railing as the ship moved on the water, her eyes on the battle high above them. Apparently she didn't get out into Zakuulan space quick enough. This little detour had only brought trouble, when it was meant to bring good.

Why must everything turn out so wrong?

Her breath caught in her throat as she felt the presence of her husband. Oh no. This wasn't going to be good if he was to find her here. "Hurry. We need to hurry..."

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Location: Boarding Terror Australis!
Objective: Keep the troops entertained until we reach our destination!
Wearing: Armor | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 8 Nozhi Blades | 2 Czerka knives | 2 Nastirci Combat Knives | Copero's Wail | Fire and Smoke (lightsabers) | Combat Gauntlets | Knight Obsidian Sword | 2 TOTT-001 Arc Light Blaster | 2 Dissuader K-30 Pistols with Glitter Bullets | A pack of Cards Against the Silver Order
Allies: SJO & BFF's
Enemies: UCM
Specific Tags: SJO [ [member="Amon Vizsla"] [member="Setter Ryburn"] [member="Mariel Dawnrider"] [member="Bushi Nadora"] [member="Kat Decoria"] [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Caedyn Arenais"] ] +Anyone else in our team ||| UCM [ [member="Kaine Australis"] ]
Post: Two

It took every ounce of self-control on Scherezade's part to not bounce up and down on the soft balls of her feet as they waited. People that she knew mostly by name and only now was communicating and was about to get into close combat with were talking, but she didn't need the pep talk; a Sith, and a Blood Hound, wars were in her very blood. When she fought, she could hear a song inside her body, one that rose from her veins, that had no music, rhythm, or words. Her song. What she was born to do, against all odds and against all the wishes of those who had any specific ones regarding her.

The Jedi though… She was not entirely sure about them. She visited the Rest quite often, seeing as her best friend was no other than Jedi Master [member="Josh Dragonsflame"], She had heard stories, of things that the Silvers had done while she was still held as a prisoner inside a pebble, things that no one would have ever thought Jedi would do. But since she'd gotten to known them, ever since that faithful night on Zeltron, they had been mostly pacifists. Disgustingly so, in most cases. How many times had she sneered in Josh's face about the chosen approach to handle things peacefully? She'd even at one point arrived to offer their people lessons on how to combat darksiders, back when the Silvers' biggest fear was that the Sith Empire would come descending down upon them. She wasn't sure those lessons were a great success, but the groundwork had been laid out regardless.

Yet when the screams came, when they called- Kill 'em all – that was when she grinned, from ear to ear, echoing those words, beating her fist against her chest. It was a Mitzvah, to kill Mandalorians. The holy crusade, to exterminate them all like the vermin that they were. Mandalore would burn, sooner or later. And if she could wild the torch that would ignite it… She would carry it with the highest of honors.

<< BOARD THE TERROR AUSTRALIS >>​

<< CAPTURE HVT >>​

<< ACQUIRE INTEL >>​

Her smile only broadened at that. Did it mean Australis himself would be there? Did it mean she would get to personally get to be a thorn in his side, destroy the vessel, do the pew, and all of that? Her excitement was barely containable.

"Few of us are dear friends," she said as they all boarded the drop pods, "but I will not leave battle friends behind. If you are caught, bleed for me. I will find you."

And off they all went. Landing pods were overly familiar territory for the Blood Hound by now, and she let a long whistle out as it the little metal death trap launched from the bigger ship. No reason to worry, was there? None at all. This time, she kept her eyes closed. There was no point in looking out, in seeing some drop pods go boom or not. It was the same ol' song. "I dream of a boy with sunshine in his hair," Scherezade hummed, following a long lost song from her ancestral home planet, a song that reminded her of home, of the sunshine, of the warmth…

She was with [member="Setter Ryburn"] and [member="Amon Vizsla"], with promises of a hunt. The curvaceous brunette opened her eyes, their green glow falling on both men in their armor. And then words of blood. She could've laughed, knowing that one of them were just phrases, and some were invitations to do damage. But the promise… The promise of blood and suffering was great. They would bring them all, to this Australis ship. The thought of Asaara Vaashe, one who had (or still was? Scherezade wasn't entirely sure) having grown into being powerful to having gone off to do what she was about to… It was enough to make one proud, even if they weren't close by any means. And still, she wondered – Scherezade had been part of Battle Meditations only with other Sith and Darksiders. With the Jedi… It would be interesting to see what would happen.

And in they were.

The first wave of opposition – the Marines. Scherezade didn't know that this was what they were called. It didn't matter. Her knives slid from her body and armor and within instants she launched forward, a lightsaber in each hand as about fifteen blades flew around her, each controlled to near perfection by TK, chopping and stabbing all around her, big and small blades alike. Her moves were graceful, quick, efficient. She enjoyed playing with her prey, yet she knew when time was of the essence. If she could have her way, they would be fighting all way to the bridge and then smash the ship and- Ooooh she liked the ideas that were forming in her mind.

The second wave was the droids. Scherezade switched her style, her blade this time not stabbing them as that would be ridiculous and useless, but they absorbed any shot sent their way, and slowed down their approach. When a droid got into near enough of a range that she could press her hand against it, she did just that, and shut the droid down through the Force. It had cost her though, three minor electrocutions. Fighting the bloodless was never any fun.

Only once did she spot surveillance; though, true to [member="Kaine"] Austarlis ' thoughts, she wasn't even looking for it. Scherezade deWinter showcased and peacocked many of her abilities, and took pride and vanity in them. When she noticed the camera, she sent whoever was watching on the other end a kiss through the air.

"No Mandalorian in sight so far!" she roared over the sounds of clankers and shots, and then screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping the people in charge were hearing every single word of it, "Yet what else could we expect of those who follow Mandalore the Chicken?!"

 

[Jihun Kim]

Location: Aboard the Hellcat, in transit to Azure surface.
Allies: UCM and friends
Opposition: SJO & CIS
Objective: Disrupt Jedi Strike Team's attempts to establish a FOB, cover medivac.
With: [member="Fiore de Noir"], [member="Kaine Australis"], [member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Vanessa Vantai"]
Engaging: eventually [member="Josh Dragonsflame"] (fite me) [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Seth Brackson"] [member="Ador Horn"] [member="Romi Jade"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Coren Starchaser"]

Then

“A third front has opened up against the Mandalorians,”

Cardinam stepped into the lounge behind Jesse, a dirty hydrospanner in hand. The crew of the Hellcat was split in two shifts operating in twelve hours rotations, and he had been one of the 'lucky' half working while the other got to enjoy a hot meal of some fancy exotic pasta dish.

The Elf (Fiore) called it “lasagna”.

Whatever it was, all of it would probably be gone before the next rotation. It always was.

Second shift was just splendid.

“Looks like the Silver Jedi want a piece of the bucketheads, too. Now there's a full scale invasion underway at Azure. We just got orders from our dear UCM employers to ship out and help send the saber jockeys crying back to their Wookiees.”

The news elicited a mixture of cheers and groans. The former were bored out of their minds with uneventful patrols across the southern fringes of Mando space and were now itching for a fight, while the latter really wanted to savor that lasagna and avoid getting shot at for a little while longer.

“Azure...Azure,” Poseidon repeated to himself after another bite. “Didn't we pass through there back in the day?”

“Mmhmm, in the GR days it was a glorified gas station for the Navy. We passed through there on our way to Roche and Charros.”

Both Cardinam and Poseidon had the distinct pleasure of seeing every corner of the Galactic Republic during their time serving together in the Grand Army, witnessing both its meteoric rise, and crushing implosion.

“Ah yeah, it's coming back now,” the Herglic replied. “Waterworld, just my scene. If we win this, then I request shore leave right there!”

“Sure, if we win, but clearing out an army of pissed off Jedi Knights is a bit of a tall order.”

Poseidon flashed him a big toothy grin. “Oh, I have just the thing for the space-wizards. Maybe six.”

“Alright,” Cardinam start as he was addressing the whole table. “I've been more than a generous by giving you sorry lot an extra three minutes to scarf down chow. Hellcat is already in transit to link up with Apollyon and other reinforcements, so that leaves you with about 30 minutes to kit up and get your briefing before I kick you all off this can.”

Kirkland and Lindsey practically skipped off to the armory with disturbing glee, while the rest gradually pulled themselves away from the table with varying levels of reluctance.

He stepped into the way of Elf before she could leave.

“As for you, I have a special assignment.”